The INCA were an ancient South American civilization that flourished in the Andes Mountains from the 12th to 16th centuries. They were the largest pre-Columbian civilization in the Americas and their empire extended across much of the western part of the continent. The INCA were known for their advanced engineering, architecture, and agricultural techniques, as well as their complex social and religious systems. They also developed a unique writing system, which was used to record their history and laws.